Strengthening of State Waqf Boards

As per the decision of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) meeting held on 27/12/2013 for the Scheme of Strengthening of State Waqf Boards, Central Waqf Council has been involved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs as the implementing agency of the above scheme during the 12th plan period. The scheme provides for financial assistance to the State Waqf Boards through Central Waqf Council for protection, development and better management of Auqaf all over the country.

In line with the above decision, Central Waqf Council executed the Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Minority Affairs on 31/12/2013. Thereafter, Ministry of Minority Affairs released a sum of Rs. 80.00 lakhs as first instalment to the Council under the above scheme. The Council is in the process of identifying the support mechanism for release of funds to the State Waqf Boards. In the meantime, second instalment of Rs. 1.11 crore has been released by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to the Council on 28/02/2014.

The Scheme provides financial assistance to the State Waqf Boards to strengthen the Legal Section/Accounts Section/Removal of Encroachment & opening of Zonal Offices of the State Waqf Boards as these are critical areas of operation of the Boards and unless these areas are strengthened it would not possible for the Boards to function effectively. However, as per the scheme the earmarked amount available for release year wise is yet to be finalised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs as the modalities for the implementation of the above Scheme are yet to be workedout.

Since, total amount of Rs. 1.91 crore has been received as Grant in Aid under the Scheme, the proposed action plan is as under:-

(a) During first quarter of the financial year 2014-15, proposals would be sought from the State Waqf Boards about their present status, further requirement in respect of Legal/Accounts/Enforcement set up.

(b) During the second quarter, first instalment of 75% would be released to the State Waqf Boards

(c) Second instalment of 25% would be released to the Waqf Boards upon receipt of utilisation certificate of first instalment alongwith progress cum outcome report from the beneficiary Waqf Boards which would be submitted to the Ministry of Minority Affairs.